Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow promotes cleaner communities in Limerick

2026 Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow promotes cleaner communities in Limerick. Photo: Brian Arthur

The 2026 Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow makes its way to Limerick to promote cleaner communities, gum disposal and a circular economy

The Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow made its Limerick stop on Thursday, July 2, as part of its 2026 Summer Roadshow, promoting responsible gum disposal, cleaner communities and greater awareness of Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.

The visit comes as research from the Gum Litter Taskforce reveals Findings have shown 82 per cent of young people now say littering is socially unacceptable, but just 60 per cent of those still do not regard chewing gum as litter, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness.

Encouragingly, 92 per cent now report properly disposing of their chewing gum – the highest level recorded since the campaign began in 2007.

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Welcoming the campaign, Mayor of Limerick John Moran said keeping public spaces in Limerick litter-free and clean “requires a collective effort”.

He said, “Campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce help raise awareness of the impact of littering while reducing the need for costly gum removal works. By encouraging people to bin their gum when they’re done, we can all play a role in creating cleaner, more attractive communities and supporting a more sustainable approach to waste management.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir at Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), Cllr. Tom Ruddle noted LCCC is committed to ensuring the public spaces “are clean, vibrant and enjoyable for everyone”.

He said, “Gum litter can have a significant impact on the appearance of our city and is costly to remove. Campaigns such as the Gum Litter Taskforce help raise awareness and encourage simple actions that make a real difference in keeping Limerick looking its best.”

Director General at Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, added that the cleanliness of the city and county is a priority for LCCC.

“Clean streets, parks and public spaces create a welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike,” he said, adding, “Gum litter is one of the most persistent forms of litter and can detract from the appearance of our city while also creating significant cleaning costs. Initiatives such as the Gum Litter Taskforce play an important role in encouraging responsible behaviour and helping us all take pride in maintaining a cleaner, more attractive Limerick.”

Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland, added, “This latest research shows real progress, with more young people recognising that littering is unacceptable and taking action. Our focus remains on making responsible gum disposal the norm and continuing to build on the positive behaviours we are seeing across communities nationwide.”

Anne Sheeran, Corporate Affairs Manager at Mars Wrigley, said their support of the campaign reflects their “broader commitment to responsible business and sustainability”.

She noted the campaign delivers “measurable change”. She said, ” This campaign is delivering measurable change and helping to shape positive habits, with more people choosing to bin their gum and encouraging others to do the same. Through continued collaboration, we can build on this progress and further reduce gum litter in our communities.”

The Summer Roadshow will visit locations nationwide throughout June, July and August, while the Bin It! programme will return to schools from October.